Frommer's Review
Since it opened to continual massive crowds in late 2005, the world's largest aquarium has had Atlanta abuzz about its 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, home to more than 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe. The aquarium includes five stunning exhibits, including "Cold Water Quest," "Georgia Explorer," "Ocean Voyager," "River Scout," and "Tropical Diver," each featuring inhabitants of those environments. Crowds have been so big that tickets are issued based on your preferred time to enter the aquarium. Tickets to the 4-D theater are a few bucks extra, or for an additional $50, visitors can experience a behind-the-scenes tour. Advance booking online is highly recommended. There's a restaurant on-site.
Water, Water Everywhere -- Folks in Atlanta were pretty sure the Georgia Aquarium would be a big hit, but even the most optimistic about this world-class project underestimated the numbers of people who'd be clamoring to see the newest showcase of the Southeast. Nine months after its opening in November 2005, the world's largest indoor aquarium was already welcoming its three-millionth visitor.
Aquarium benefactor Bernie Marcus had it pegged pretty well, though -- he predicted the facility would welcome three million people within its first year. The aquarium is a gift to the people of Georgia from Marcus, cofounder of Home Depot, and his wife, Billi, through the Marcus Foundation.
The initial crowds were so huge, sales of annual memberships were actually suspended because management feared that hordes of return visitors would overwhelm their ability to welcome first-time guests. Of the first three million visitors, more than 50,000 were Atlanta-area teachers and students, who were among the earliest supporters of the facility. The aquarium has now served as Atlanta's second-largest tourism boost since the Centennial Olympic Games were held here in 1996.
Since the opening, aquarium visitors and staff have found both reason to celebrate and reason to mourn. From an announcement of $14 million in building improvements less than a year after opening to the early 2007 passing of Gasper, one of two beluga whales housed here, the Georgia Aquarium continues to draw international attention.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
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